[Bruce Rance]

Following a fox attact one of my chickens was put on a course of antibiotics (in this case Metacam 10ml 2 drops once daily). How soon after the completion of the course of treatment is it safe to start eating the eggs again?

[Aunt Sally]

In general two weeks after completion of most antibiotic treatments is advised. 

Other more knowledgeable members will be along to advise too

[Kate and her Ducks]

Matacam is a painkiller (meloxicam is it's drug name and it is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) not an antibiotic. It's licenced for use in humans so I would have thought that you don't need to worry about the traces that might get into the eggs.

[Aunt Sally]

Thanks Kate !

I knew an expert would be along.   

[Kate and her Ducks]

Metacam worked wonders for Patrick (my drake) after he was attacked by a fox. He couldn't stand or walk without it for quite a few days.  I am a little surprised if the vet didn't give you any antibiotics (usually something like Baytril) as fox/dog bites are notorious for infections.

[raeburg]

Interesting.  My vet advised a month egg withdrawal after finishing a course Baytril.

[andreadon]

normally baytril has as long as they took it to be clear (so 7 days course, then 7 days after that before using the eggs)
which is a fortnight in total.

but the vet could have given a higher concentration than that, hence a longer withdrawal period.

[mrs.ploppy]

I have eaten the eggs myself after a corse of baytril cause my vet said that as long as I was not allergic to antibiotics then it was ok for me to eat them.  But advised not to give away any to others as they may have reactions that I would be liable for.  So I think its safe as long as you want to take the chance for yourselves but not others.

[Bruce Rance]

Thanks to all for your help, much appreciated.  Bruce

[Kate and her Ducks]

I was told 1 week withdrawal for the antibiotic Baytril but metacam is not an antibiotic and it is a drug liscenced for human use. I imagine that if asked the vet would probably recommend a withdrawal period but I'm sure I would ignore it .

[too many girls]

we've eaten eggs laid by hens on baytril (we didn't think of withdrawal ) not dead or rosey yet!

[raeburg]

She hasn't laid yet so it's not an issue yet! 

[Kate and her Ducks]

  Withdrawal period was a necessity rather than a virtue for me too as they weren't laying either.